Margaret Nash
Interview by Helen Edwards
Margaret Nash is a prolific writer, having written a variety of books including 'Bossy Cockerel', a book for early readers and 'Out of the Shadow' a historical novel for older children, to name just two. In the past she worked as a children's librarian and now visits schools and libraries to talk to the children about her work and writing. She also teaches creative writing.
1. Did you always want to write children’s books? How did you get started and what made you choose this genre?
I vaguely thought, on leaving school, that one day I would like to write a children’s book. However, it was very vague and I went out into the world and became a librarian. Then came the family, and I was a full-time mum until they had been at school for a few years. During their early school years, I attended an adult education class on writing once a week for an hour and a half. I began writing short stories of 250 words for a children’s magazine and then a book for seven to ten year olds, which I was lucky to have accepted.
2. Do you write in any other genre?
I’ve done short plays for primary age children, and re-told 3 fairy tales. That is all.
3. How long does it take you to write a picture book, as opposed to a book for older children?
I don’t work full time but rather when I can, though writing is always high priority. Some days I’ll write for about four or five hours, others not at all, so it’s difficult to say. With picture books, once I have an idea I can do one fairly quickly, but it is getting an idea good enough to include drama and originality that takes the time. With rejections, I usually put them away for ages and get them out say a year or even two years later, sometimes for years. I did this to begin with, and my experience gained over the years paid off, as I re-wrote some and they were accepted.
4. What would you say to people who think writing a picture book is easy?
It is not easy, except for the fact that you can read them through quickly, whereas a longer book takes maybe a few hours before you start revising. You have to make sure that the story moves so that there is a new exciting picture on every page too.
5. What is your favourite children’s book of all time, and why?
Philippa Pearce’s ‘Tom’s Midnight Garden’ – because I like the feel of the garden and the clock striking 13 – atmosphere really, which she is wonderful at portraying.
6. What are you currently working on?
I’m just coming to the end of an historical novel for children 9 to 13. Alongside I’ve been doing short stories for early readers for a publisher.
7. Do you have any advice for others wanting to write children’s books?
Just write. Join a class if you can. Write and re-write. Spend time in your local library (not just 10 minutes at the end of a shopping spree, but half days), and get the feel of work for different age groups. Above all, read the sort of story you like and wish to write. If you have a close writing friend who will be truthful, meet frequently and read each others’ work, perhaps over coffee or lunch. Read and discuss each others’ work in detail, commenting on all aspects of writing – character etc. With one to one you can both spend time on this discussing improvements, pointing out wooden bits etc., which you may not do as satisfactorily in a class. Keep up with the progress bit by bit, meeting to read out new bits frequently. But you’ve got to be truthful.
Questions posed by Helen Edwards
March 2008
Margaret Nash's publications
Below is a list of some of Margaret's books.
The Secret in the Mist (isbn:1862335621)
An award winning picture book for 3-7'swith a day/night theme
Toby and the Great Fire of London (isbn:9780749670795)
A story set against accurate details of the 1666 Fire of London for ages 6-9
The Bossy Cockerel (isbn:0749637080)
A farmyard fun story for 3-6 yr olds
Sammy's Secret (isbn:0749665416)
A simple story for beginner readers, about a family of lively cats
Out of the Shadow (isbn:0713661011)
suitable for 8 - 12+ An adventure story set in the 19th century industrial north.
Into the Unknown (isbn:0750233958)
Waves are rising ten times the height of a man in this historical adventure story about the Cabots.
Under a Hostile Sky (isbn:1871173981)
A story of a family bombed out in the 2nd world war, and the trials and pleasures of adjusting.
Treetop Hero (isbn:1871173930)
A world war 2 story set in Norfolk, for 8 to 12 year olds. Good for home life wartime background
The Haunted Windmill (isbn:190490422X)
A ghost story for ages 7-10 set around a Norfolk windmill